GETTING TO THE NEXT LEVEL THE MISSING PIECES FOR CEE Marian Gazdik, Startup Grind
GETTING TO THE NEXT LEVEL
THE MISSING PIECES FOR CEE
Marian Gazdik, Startup Grind
400,000 entrepreneurs in 200 cities and 85 countries
CONNECTING THE DOTS
• 75 years ago, Silicon Valley was a little more than an orchard
• Detroit was key innovation hub, (filed for bankruptcy in 2013)
• Disruption comes from the bottom (Netflix) or outsiders (iPhone)
• Successful companies get comfortable and become arrogant
• At today’s fast pace, they only notice when it’s too late (Nokia)
Lesson: cities, regions or countries rise and fall
SALESFORCE: DON’T FIGHT, JOIN THEM
BUILD YOUR BRIDGES
• It’s not you against them. Don’t compete,
collaborate
• Connect to key global hubs
• Find a way keep them coming back
• Make sure they talk about you, in a good way
• Develop strategic partnerships
Examples: Israel, Portugal
CHALLENGES OF CEE REGION
• Fear of failure, lack of ambition
• Secrecy won't help, feedback almost always will
• Lack of advice. Find 2-3 top mentors, develop a
relationship
• Products not ready for big markets. Find product
market fit first
• Under-utilised network. Reach out when needed
TIP: Make a list of 10 potential mentors & reach out
HOW CAN WE HELP
• Develop local startup eco-systems
• Connecting startups with investors, mentors & advisors
• Conferences attended by world’s TOP entrepreneurs
• Offer help and advice on startupgrind.com
• Build a bridge to Silicon Valley:
StartupGrind.com/Conference
Tip: Let us know how we can help you
OUR VALUES
MARIAN GAZDIK
Director, Europe
@Mgazdik, @StartupGrind
MEET PEOPLE THE RIGHT WAY
• GET INTRODUCED BY A TRUSTED CONNECTION
• REMEMBER NAMES
• MAKE A LASTING IMPRESSION (BE HELPFUL, COMPLIMENT)
• DON’T BRAG, LET OTHERS PRAISE YOU
• DON’T PITCH TOO SOON - RELATE AND CONNECT FIRST
• BUILD A “BRIDGE”
Practice: Think of how you can help
CONFERENCE NETWORKING
• DEFINE WHOM YOU WANT TO MEET HERE
• DO A LITTLE RESEARCH & PREPARE 1-2 QUESTIONS
• STAY FOCUSED, MEET PEOPLE ON YOUR LIST FIRST
• HAVE AN INTERESTING PITCH, ASK FOR FEEDBACK
• LOOK FOR INTERESTING PEOPLE TO MEET, ASK OTHERS
Practice: Make a list of 10 people to meet
BUILD LASTING RELATIONSHIPS
• BUILD TRUST AND HUMAN CONNECTION FIRST
• FOLLOW-UP. WHEN NO RESPONSE, RECONNECT (MOORE’S
LAW)
• GIVE VALUE REGULARLY, MAKE VALUABLE INTRODUCTIONS
• USE OPPORTUNITIES TO STAY IN TOUCH: COFFEE, LUNCH,
CALLS
• SHARE INVITES TO INTERESTING HAPPENINGS
• VALUE YOUR WORD AND DELIVER ON TIME
TIP: Only promise only what you can deliver